The recently reformed Cleaning & Support Services Association made further progress at its Summer board meeting, held recently at the offices of Principle Cleaning Services - whose Doug Cook is CSSA chairman and one of the main drivers behind the re-establishment of this important industry association.

It was only the board's second meeting since relaunching in February and members heard about a number of important and encouraging developments. Doug confirmed that the CSSA was now the official UK board member of the World Federation of Building Service Contractors (WFBSC).

At the association's inaugural gathering in May it was decided to set up four management bodies to support the identified programmes and activities of the main board, and members got to see for the first time the projects being worked on by the groups.

Sean Taylor and the marketing group have been developing a marketing plan - described as a 'Road Map' - which will indicate what the CSSA wants to become, together with initiatives for lead generation.

The Health & Safety Executive, headed by Ashley Hoadley, is collaborating on a document looking at cyber security. Provisionally titled: 'A guide to understanding the threat and what you can do to protect your business', it is expected to be published shortly.

The first bulletin from the Human Resources Executive, Chaired by Mike Rutherford, is: 'The Immigration Act 2016', which is essential reading for all members. The HR team will be focusing on influencing, supporting, and sharing information with members on topics such as; cleaning apprenticeships, the apprenticeship levy and human resources processes and development.

Darren Marston and the Innovation and Technology Team, issued their first bulletin looking at 'Battery Technology' (Ed: see last week's Cleanzine if you'd like to read it). They are currently looking at producing bulletins on, 'The Circular Economy' and 'Cleaning Product Showcase Innovations'.

The meeting finished with two important dates for the diary: 12th October 2016 at a venue in City of London - 'CSSA Autumn Open Evening' and 15/16th March 2017 CSSA AGM and CSSA Awards Ceremony.

If you'd like to learn more about the many benefits of becoming a CSSA member: